The Glen Mills Schools was founded in 1826, originally incorporated as the Philadelphia House of Refuge.
The Philadelphia House of Refuge was the third school of its type in the country, following the New York House of Refuge in 1824 and the Boston House of Refuge in 1825.
The program includes room and board, clothing, behavior management, individual and group counseling, academic and vocational programming, medical and dental services, as well as athletic and recreational opportunities.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked PA School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Prekindergarten
- Enrollment: 743 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Glen Mills Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
School Overview
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten
Student Body
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
108 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.:
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glen Mills Schools's ranking?
Glen Mills Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest percentage of students of color and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Glen Mills Schools?
The application deadline for Glen Mills Schools is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse Glen Mills Schools. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling: Pros and Cons (2026 Guide)
Explore year-round schooling pros and cons in 2026. Learn benefits, drawbacks, schedules, and whether it fits your child鈥檚 needs.
草榴社区 School Dress Codes: 2026 Guide for Families
Learn how private school dress codes work in 2026, including benefits, costs, flexibility, and what parents should expect.
How to Negotiate 草榴社区 School Tuition Legally
Learn how to negotiate private school tuition legally with proven strategies, financial aid tips, and 2026 insights for families.




